Quote:
Originally Posted by razark
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That is why most people choose to use A-26 or A/B-26 when referring to the Invader and B-26 when referring to the Marauder.Steve is correct the B-26 Marauder and the A-26 Invader are completely different aircraft.
The B-26 Marauder was not in service when the USAF changed its aircraft nomenclature P becoming F and A becoming B for a time calling certain truly attack aircraft bombers was actually for political reasons and argument with the US Army up until 1963 the USAF did not use the A for attack nomenclature after 1963 Congress said that all fixed wing aircraft where the realm of the USAF(excluding some very specific roles) after this point the USAF felt safe to use the A for attack nomenclature again.The USAF had concern that the US Army would stake claim to any so called attack aircraft because they support ground forces directly.
Of course the B-26K retained its the B nomenclature anyway and the USAF did not acquire any ex US Navy A-1 Skyraiders until 1964/65.You will notice also the USAF flew many aircraft titled F for fighter when truly they where bombers F-105,F-111,F-117 the first two again where for political reasons and the F-117 was to confuse the nature of the program to anyone looking for something interesting.